main lines of attack

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "main lines of attack" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used in contexts discussing strategies or approaches to address a problem or challenge. Example: "In our meeting, we will outline the main lines of attack for our marketing campaign to ensure we reach our target audience effectively."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

13 human-written examples

The new asylum policy appears to be part of a concerted effort by Mr. Rudd to nullify Mr. Abbott's main lines of attack ahead of the election.

The New York Times

The offensive was effectively relaunched at the end of 2016 when troops from other positions were redeployed, along with US special forces, to bolster the main lines of attack in east Mosul.

The Guardian

One of Mr Skuratov's main lines of attack on the Kremlin has been through the business dealings of the tycoon Boris Berezovsky, a former Yeltsin intimate accused of shadowy business dealings.

The Guardian

The communities secretary aired one of the main lines of attack the Tories will deploy in the general election when he said that only his party could guarantee an in/out referendum on Britain's EU membership.

The Guardian

But Ms. Rice's record appears to show the biggest gap, which may help bolster one of the main lines of attack from her fellow Democrats: that she is a political opportunist with no genuine attachment to the Democratic Party.

The New York Times

One of the no camp's main lines of attack was to claim the Lisbon deal would result in Ireland having to give up its special low capital tax status, which has been held up as a significant factor in attracting foreign investment and fuelling the so-called Celtic Tiger.

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

47 human-written examples

Jordan then turned to his main line of attack.

The Washington Post

What was the committee's main line of attack?

The Guardian - Business

He is sharp-witted but cannot make her euro policies his main line of attack.

The Economist

He said the issue was legitimate to raise but this would not be his main line of attack.

The Guardian

His remarks signaled an intensified offensive against Mr. Bush, and echoed the Republicans' main line of attack, the charge of inconsistency and hypocrisy.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When outlining a plan to counter an opposing viewpoint or strategy, use "main lines of attack" to clearly define the core arguments or actions you intend to use.

Common error

Avoid using "main lines of attack" in situations where a less aggressive term would be more appropriate. For instance, in collaborative problem-solving, using terms like "key strategies" or "primary approaches" fosters a more cooperative environment.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "main lines of attack" functions primarily as a noun phrase. It refers to the principal strategies or methods used to criticize, challenge, or oppose something. As confirmed by Ludwig, it's considered correct in written English.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

75%

Science

20%

Encyclopedias

5%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Wiki

0%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "main lines of attack" is a noun phrase denoting the primary strategies employed to challenge or critique a subject, as Ludwig AI confirms. Predominantly used in neutral to formal registers, especially within news and scientific contexts, its purpose is to identify and emphasize key strategic points in a debate or conflict. While grammatically sound, it is important to consider the potentially aggressive connotation and opt for more neutral phrases like "key strategic approaches" in collaborative settings. Overall, the phrase carries substantial weight and clarity when employed judiciously.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

chief strategies of attack

It describes the main or most important strategies or plans that are used to initiate conflict.

major criticisms

A more concise alternative that directly addresses the principal points of critique.

chief points of criticism

This option focuses specifically on critical arguments or objections, suitable when the 'attack' is verbal or argumentative.

principal arguments

This phrase is useful in scenarios where the focus is on the core reasoning or evidence being presented.

core points of contention

This is suitable in contexts where key disagreements or disputes are being highlighted.

primary avenues of assault

This alternative highlights the aggressive, attacking nature of the strategy, emphasizing the 'assault' aspect.

foremost strategies

This option highlights the importance and priority of the strategic approaches being used.

central offensive tactics

Similar to 'primary avenues of assault', this emphasizes the tactical and aggressive nature of the approach.

key strategic approaches

This alternative emphasizes planning and strategy, suitable when discussing proactive methods rather than reactive attacks.

primary methods of engagement

Suitable when discussing how someone interacts or confronts a situation or opponent.

FAQs

How can I use "main lines of attack" in a sentence?

You can use "main lines of attack" to describe the primary strategies used to criticize or oppose someone or something. For example, "The politician outlined their "main lines of attack" against the proposed legislation."

What are some alternatives to "main lines of attack"?

Alternatives include "chief points of criticism", "key strategic approaches", or "principal arguments", depending on the specific context.

When is it appropriate to use "main lines of attack"?

It's appropriate when describing deliberate strategies aimed at opposing or criticizing something. It's especially suitable when discussing political campaigns, legal disputes, or competitive business strategies. Be mindful of its aggressive connotation; in more collaborative settings, alternatives might be more suitable.

Is "main lines of attack" too aggressive for professional communication?

The term can be perceived as aggressive. In professional contexts, consider the tone you want to convey. If a more neutral or collaborative tone is desired, use alternatives like "key strategic approaches" or "principal arguments".